In her recent appearance on The Responsible Edge, Glo offered a compelling case for why fair compensation is not only a moral imperative but also a smart business strategy. With over 12 years of experience in impact measurement and development policy, Glo is at the forefront of advocating for systems that empower workers while driving sustainable growth. Her insights challenge businesses to rethink their approach to creating value by putting people at the heart of their operations.

Living Wages: A Business Imperative

“A living wage isn’t just about survival — it’s about dignity,”

Glo explained during the podcast. She shared how her work at Boldr focuses on implementing fair compensation practices in outsourcing industries across the Philippines, South Africa, and Mexico.

“When workers are fairly paid, they’re not just better employees—they’re better partners in achieving organisational goals.”

For Glo, the ripple effects of fair wages extend beyond the workplace. “Economic empowerment fosters stronger communities, which in turn creates stable supply chains. It’s a win-win for businesses and society,” she noted. By viewing fair wages as an investment rather than a cost, companies can unlock greater productivity and innovation from their workforce.

Embedding Equity into Supply Chains

Glo’s approach to value chains goes beyond surface-level compliance. She advocates for a holistic strategy that aligns business goals with equitable practices.

“We need to build systems that reflect the values we claim to uphold.”

She said, citing Boldr’s Theory of Change as a blueprint for embedding equity into supply chain management.

This framework, she explained, is about creating accountability mechanisms that ensure living wage commitments translate into tangible outcomes. Glo advised:

“You can’t just publish a policy and expect change—you need to measure, iterate, and involve stakeholders every step of the way.”

The Accountability Gap: Measuring What Matters

One of the challenges Glo highlighted was the gap between intention and implementation. She highlighted:

“Too often, businesses focus on metrics that look good on paper but don’t resonate with the people affected by their policies.”

Her solution? Co-creating impact measurement tools with workers and local communities.

“When we involve those who are directly impacted, we ensure the data reflects real-world outcomes, not just corporate aspirations,” Glo explained. This participatory approach not only builds trust but also ensures that sustainability initiatives have a meaningful and lasting impact.

The Leadership Challenge: Shifting Priorities

Glo believes that creating equitable value chains requires a leadership mindset shift. She argued:

“Leaders must be willing to sacrifice short-term profits for long-term sustainability.”

She urged executives to think beyond shareholder value, emphasising that a thriving workforce ultimately drives business success.

“Leadership isn’t just about setting policies—it’s about embodying the change you want to see in your organisation,” Glo said, underscoring the importance of leading by example in fostering a culture of equity and fairness.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Ethical Supply Chains

Glo’s advocacy for living wages challenges businesses to move beyond token gestures and embrace systemic change. As she aptly summarised:

“Sustainability without equity is an incomplete narrative. To truly create value, businesses must invest in the people who make that value possible.”

This episode of The Responsible Edge offers a thought-provoking roadmap for leaders looking to build ethical supply chains that prioritise fairness alongside profitability. Glo’s call to action is clear: adopt living wages, embed accountability, and reimagine value chains to create a future where business and society thrive together.